Student Affairs and University Rankings: Roles, Limits, and Impact - A Multaqa Discussion
Includes a Live Web Event on 01/20/2026 at 5:00 AM (EST)
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- Non-member - $39
- Member - Free!
MENASA Multaqas are one-hour member engagement sessions that create a space for student affairs professionals in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia area to engage and connect, and to build a culture of support, collaboration, innovation, research, and professional development.
University rankings increasingly shape how institutions are perceived and how students make enrollment decisions—yet Student Affairs is often left at the margins of ranking conversations. This session explores how Student Affairs professionals can understand ranking methodologies, recognize where their work intersects with ranking indicators, and critically interpret ranking data. Participants will gain practical insights into how rankings influence student behavior and institutional priorities, and how Student Affairs can engage thoughtfully without losing sight of core educational values.
University rankings have become a powerful force in higher education, influencing institutional strategy, public perception, and student choice. While rankings are often discussed in relation to research output or academic reputation, their implications for Student Affairs are less clearly articulated—despite the central role Student Affairs plays in shaping the student experience.
This session examines the role of Student Affairs within institutional ranking efforts by unpacking how major global ranking systems operate, which indicators intersect with student life, and where misalignment frequently occurs. Drawing on international experience and real-world examples, the session highlights how Student Affairs contributes—both directly and indirectly—to metrics related to employability, student satisfaction, retention, reputation, and outcomes.
At the same time, the session takes a critical approach, addressing the limitations of rankings and the risks of over-interpreting data that may not fully capture the complexity of student development and engagement. Participants will learn how to read ranking results more intelligently, distinguish meaningful signals from noise, and use ranking-related data responsibly in planning, assessment, and communication.
Designed for Student Affairs and services professionals, this session aims to demystify rankings while empowering participants to engage with them strategically—leveraging their benefits where appropriate, questioning their assumptions, and ensuring that student-centered values remain at the core of institutional decision-making.
Cesar Wazen
Director of International Affairs Office
Qatar University
Guiding Qatar University's International Affairs Office, my role capitalizes on expertise in accreditation and policy formulation to enhance educational standards. The dedication to continuous improvement in educational assessment and adult education has been a cornerstone of our strategy to elevate the university's global standing. At the helm of transformative initiatives, such as the Articulation agreement with CCQ and the Credit Waiver table, our team has significantly advanced the prospects for students from diverse educational backgrounds. With fluency in English, French, and Arabic, I navigate international collaborations that enrich the academic environment and foster sustainable development goals.
Miriam Khalil (Moderator)
Director of Academic Advising and Student Success
Northwestern University in Qatar
Miriam is the Director of Academic Advising and Student Success at Northwestern University in Qatar. Before this role, she was the Senior Academic Adviser at the American University in Dubai, where she gained extensive experience in academic advising and academic and student affairs.
Throughout her career, Miriam has held various academic positions across Lebanon and the GCC, advising diverse students in engineering, business, international relations, and media studies. She has successfully led a team of advisors and contributed to numerous academic committees focused on curriculum and quality enhancement.
Miriam’s expertise lies in multitasking, mentoring, researching, and implementing best practices to create a culture of student engagement. She is skilled in developing student-centered strategies, conducting data analysis and reporting, enhancing student retention and success, and supporting first-year student experiences and accreditation processes.
In her teaching career, Miriam has instructed finance, management, accounting, and mathematics courses, and has published research papers on academic advising.
Her passion for data analysis led her to complete three certificates in data analysis and reporting in 2021. More recently, she has completed a postgraduate program in AI and Machine Learning at the California Institute of Technology, further expanding her knowledge and expertise in cutting-edge technologies.
Recognized for her dedication, she was nominated for NASPA’s Dedicated Professional Award in 2021.
Miriam earned her MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance with distinction from the Lebanese American University in 2002 and 2005, respectively.
She currently serves as the Communication Team Lead for MENASA NASPA, where she continues to contribute to the field of student affairs and higher education.
Wadad El Housseini (Moderator)
Consultant to Vice President - Student Affairs, Director - MENASA Area
Qatar University
Ms. Wadad Youssef El Housseini started her career as in higher education as Instructor of Social Sciences at Balamand University in Lebanon where she taught for a decade. In 2001, she joined the American University of Beirut as Director of Student Activities. In 2009, she joined Qatar University as Consultant to VP of student affairs where she resumed the responsibility of Acting Director of Student Activities till May 2012. Her role entitled her to get involved in various strategic initiatives to ensure the success of Qatar University students. She is the chair of the Student Affairs Professional Development committee at Qatar University.
Founding member and former vice president for the IASAS (International Association of Student Affairs and Services). Member of the MENASA-NASPA board for 2020-2023. Recipient of the Wisdom Award of the Commission of Women’s Identities – ACPA in 2021. Interested in Leadership of Higher Education and Student Affairs, assessment and women role in higher education.
Well known for having her finger on the pulse of the region, Wadad continues to be an engaged advocate of professional development, and student affairs leadership in the Middle East.